Greinke Meets With The Rangers

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Pitcher Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 15, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. (credit: Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CBS SPORTS) - The Texas Rangers, hoping to lure top free agent target Zack Greinke with their winning ways and strong roster, recently met with the pitcher, sources said. Yet the Los Angeles Dodgers, who met with Greinke within the past few days, as Yahoo! first reported, are still considered the favorite because of their vast resources. “They have more money than they know what to do with, but they’re going to try to spend it,” one rival executive said of the Dodgers’ intentions.

Greinke’s reputation has been all about winning (he turned down a $100 million offer from the Washington Nationals on a proposed trade two winters ago because he had concerns about how soon the club would to win), and that’s what Texas is counting on. The Rangers once offered Cliff Lee a contract for about $120 million over six years, and it’s not hard to imagine them being in that range for Greinke, but executives on other teams suggest they won’t be shocked if the Dodgers go to $140 million or more for Greinke.

The Dodgers could have a couple other edges in the derby, as well. Greinke likes to hit, so a National League team could be extra attractive. Also, Dodger Stadium is more pitcher-friendly than Rangers Ballpark.